Know About Your Shrimp Before Cooking

It seems nowadays that seafood is a must at people’s dinner tables every once in a while for many different reasons. Shrimps are definitely one of the most exquisite and versatile crustaceans shellfish and also very popular in many countries across the globe. Shrimp recipes can be simply delicious if done in a precise manner and making sure every detail is taken care of.

We cannot forget the health benefits that these wonderful little creatures possess, and also when buying shrimp at supermarkets we have to make sure we know the different things to look for to get the best quality for a fair price. There are many types of shrimp that can be purchased; depending on the shrimp recipes we have planned to make and or personal taste.

Also, we have to know how to cook it properly as it tends to turn chewy if not done correctly! This article will look at shrimp as seafood, its health benefits, the basic two types available and also a quick look at how to cook it to perfection.

It is quite interesting to denote that the term seafood is “applied” to any sea animal (or plant) that is eaten by humans served as food, which includes sea water fish and also shellfish. Shrimp are crustaceans that can be usually found in both salt and fresh water. They also serve as food for other sea animals and humans farm them as a source for consumption.

Not many people are aware of its enormous health benefits. Let’s have a look at some of them:

– Very low in fat and also low in calories (so great if you are on a diet!)
– Full of vitamin D, B12 and a wonderful source of omega-3 fatty acids.
– Shrimp is also a very good source of the mineral selenium (vital to good health).

How to buy shrimps?

When buying shrimp there are certain things we have to look at, freshness being one of them. Shrimp contains an enzyme that can make the muscle (what we usually consider to be the shrimp “body”) collapse in just a couple of days. That is why shrimp is usually frozen the moment it arrives to the dock, or sold already cooked. Make sure you eat it the same day you buy it, at most two days after buying it; and ALWAYS keep it in the fridge. If you notice any “off” smell just throw it away; don’t take any risks!

When deciding which type of shrimp to purchase, you have to remember that you can choose between seawater shrimp and freshwater shrimp. The latter, is considerably bigger than seawater shrimp and it is very much treated like lobster. Seawater shrimp is the most common one, also the one I will be referring to in all my shrimp recipes displayed in the website.

I always buy my shrimp uncooked. After years of preparing shrimp recipes, I have learnt that already cooked shrimp is simply not as tasty and rather bland. Don’t be put off by the idea of cooking it yourself! It is easier than what it looks. All you need is a pan with boiling water, salt and a bay leaf. Cook your shrimp until pink. Leave for another 1 or 2 minutes and then remove from the pan. That is all.

Pretty easy, uh? Now, have a look around the site for my delicious up and coming recipes which include: shrimp scampi, grilled shrimp, coconut shrimp, shrimp salad, shrimp and grits, shrimp with pasta and lots of other easy shrimp recipes!